<p>Head and neck cancer in India, which is lifestyle-related, is emerging as a major public health problem as it might have a latent period and needs a dedicated multidisciplinary approach for treatment. Oral, head and neck cancer awareness week was observed from April 13-19. The most common locations where head and neck cancers arise are the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. Exposure to the following risk factors has been found to play a major role in increasing the risk of oral cavity and throat cancers:</p>.<p>Tobacco smoking in the form of cigarettes, <span class="italic">bidis</span>, cigars, and <span class="italic">hookah. </span></p>.<p>Use of smokeless tobacco like <span class="italic">zarda, gutka, kharra, mawa</span> and <span class="italic">khaini</span> is extremely common in India.</p>.<p>Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer which is dose-dependent.</p>.<p>Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) has been found to be linked with some oropharyngeal cancers.</p>.<p><strong>Prevention</strong></p>.<p>Taking the following measures can help decrease the risk of head and neck cancers:</p>.<p>Stopping the use of any kind of tobacco.</p>.<p>Avoiding alcohol consumption.</p>.<p>Practicing safe sex including oral sex to prevent HPV infection.</p>.<p>Staying protected against HPV infection by taking HPV vaccination.</p>.<p>Using a sunscreen that has adequate sun protection factor.</p>.<p><strong>Treatment</strong></p>.<p>Head and neck cancers require a multidisciplinary team for planning and complete care of the patient. It is advisable to discuss each patient in a tumour board which includes the following specialists: Medical oncologist: Doctor who treats cancer systemically by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Radiation oncologist: Doctors who use special form of x-rays to treat cancer. Surgical oncologist: Doctor who operates and removes the tumour and plays one of the most important roles. Plastic/ reconstructive surgeon: Specialist who helps to repair the damage caused during tumour removal. Speech and swallow pathologist: Specialist who helps the patient to restore these functions affected by cancer.<br /><br /><em><span class="italic">(The author is consultant, medical oncology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Bengaluru)</span></em></p>
<p>Head and neck cancer in India, which is lifestyle-related, is emerging as a major public health problem as it might have a latent period and needs a dedicated multidisciplinary approach for treatment. Oral, head and neck cancer awareness week was observed from April 13-19. The most common locations where head and neck cancers arise are the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. Exposure to the following risk factors has been found to play a major role in increasing the risk of oral cavity and throat cancers:</p>.<p>Tobacco smoking in the form of cigarettes, <span class="italic">bidis</span>, cigars, and <span class="italic">hookah. </span></p>.<p>Use of smokeless tobacco like <span class="italic">zarda, gutka, kharra, mawa</span> and <span class="italic">khaini</span> is extremely common in India.</p>.<p>Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer which is dose-dependent.</p>.<p>Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) has been found to be linked with some oropharyngeal cancers.</p>.<p><strong>Prevention</strong></p>.<p>Taking the following measures can help decrease the risk of head and neck cancers:</p>.<p>Stopping the use of any kind of tobacco.</p>.<p>Avoiding alcohol consumption.</p>.<p>Practicing safe sex including oral sex to prevent HPV infection.</p>.<p>Staying protected against HPV infection by taking HPV vaccination.</p>.<p>Using a sunscreen that has adequate sun protection factor.</p>.<p><strong>Treatment</strong></p>.<p>Head and neck cancers require a multidisciplinary team for planning and complete care of the patient. It is advisable to discuss each patient in a tumour board which includes the following specialists: Medical oncologist: Doctor who treats cancer systemically by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Radiation oncologist: Doctors who use special form of x-rays to treat cancer. Surgical oncologist: Doctor who operates and removes the tumour and plays one of the most important roles. Plastic/ reconstructive surgeon: Specialist who helps to repair the damage caused during tumour removal. Speech and swallow pathologist: Specialist who helps the patient to restore these functions affected by cancer.<br /><br /><em><span class="italic">(The author is consultant, medical oncology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Bengaluru)</span></em></p>